You've got questions?
We dug up some answers.
FAQ's
(check back for updates)
1. What is the host hotel?
We have two hotel room blocks:
JW Marriot Chicago
https://book.passkey.com/go/BlackGirlsDoBikeRmBlk
Bike Storage $5 a day/per bike
Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop
https://tinyurl.com/yx9he7cu
2. Are there any discounts for Bike The Drive registration?
Registration for the 5th 3rd Bike-the-Drive is now open! Our Chicago Sheroes are pleased to report that
Active Transportation Alliance is offering BGDB a $7 discount on registration (code BGDB7), which becomes
available on April 6 at noon. You should note, that the current registration price of $45 is the cheapest rate that you will get.
As you can see from the chart below, the rate will have increased to $52 on April 6. The $7 discount off that price, will bring
your registration to $45. In summary, you can purchase your tickets NOW and up until February 9th (for $45) or wait until April 6
(and apply the discount code) which allows you to register at a rate of $45 up until May 3rd. You can still use the discount code after
May 3rd, however, the base registration rate, periodically increases again on May 4th thus increasing the registration rate.
3. Can I have my bike assembled once it's delivered to CHICAGO?
Yes, book via BIKE FLIGHTS
Our shop of choice is:
Good Speed Cycles
2125 183rd St
Homewood, IL 60430
Rate $100 to pack and unpack the bike.
• If BGDB members ship their bikes to the store, we will re-assemble them and deliver them to Chicago on Friday.
•Members are responsible for setting up bike flights for both ways and making sure the bike is delivered to our store by the Wednesday before the event.
•We will put together a pickup in Chicago either Sunday night or Monday morning to bring bikes back here to re-pack and ship.
4. Will I be able to rent a bike in Chicago for this event?
Good Speed Cycles
2125 183rd St
Homewood, IL 60430
They will do free delivery for any bikes rented from us for the ride. Availability is limited.
They will deliver on Friday and do the pickup on Sunday or Monday.
Rental Link:
https://www.goodspeedcycles.com/articles/bike-rental-pg112.htm
While GoodSpeed Cycles offers FREE delivery and pickup services, they have limited bikes for rent.
Bobby’s Bike Hike is an alternative bike rental company located on the lakefront.
Bobby’s Bike Hike offers discounted bike rentals of various types and sizes for Bike the Drive participants. You can receive a discounted bike rental for Bike the Drive by visiting https://www.bobbysbikehike.com/event/mb-bike-the-drive. Make sure to reserve ahead as the event is sure to sell out. Additionally, Black Girls Do Bike participants receive 10% off ‘multi-day bike rentals’ (2 and 3 day rentals) over the Memorial Day weekend. Just visit Bobby’s Bike Hike Rental page and use promo code BGDB20 to save 10%.
5. Can I bring my bike by train?
"You’ve seen where you can take your bike with you on your next Amtrak trip, but you may still have questions. Take a look at these questions we’ve gathered from other bike riders. The answers you need are likely right here...."
https://www.amtrak.com/…/bring-your-bicycle-…/bike-faqs.html
6. Can you provide more info on the BGDB Chicago Bike Tour on Saturday, May 23rd?
BGDB Chicago Bike Tour
Docent Daryl Miles, of Big Shoulders Bike Tours
When: Saturday, May 23, 2020 8:00am to 10:30am
Cost: $15 prior to May 1st and $20 afterward
Two Ways to Make Payment:
ZELLE - 708.571.4399
“Cash App”- $MILES1995
Description of the Docent Lead Tour:
There is something for EVERYONE on this enriching tour, which starts in Chicago's financial district and matriculates through "Chicago's Front Yard" (Grant/Millennium Park), the Magnificent Mile, Northerly Island, and the Bronzeville, Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhoods (to include the residential street of the 44th President).
We will see the "most scenic views" of Chicago's internationally recognized skyline and six of the "Best Museums in Chicago".
This tour will take us through the Bronzeville neighborhood, which during its heyday (1915-1965) was a thriving city within a city. This "Cradle of Creativity" and entrepreneurship rivaled the Harlem Renaissance and became known as the "Black Metropolis".
Prominent African Americans, such as Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, Gwendolyn Brooks, Dr. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, Bessie Coleman, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Lorraine Hansberry, Quincy Jones, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Rube Walker, Ida B. Wells, Muddy Waters, Dinah Washington, Harold Washington, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and Richard Wright, among others, lived in this surprisingly small and narrow neighborhood called Bronzeville. We'll see some of the remaining residences, as well as the home of the founder of the Chicago Defender Newspaper plus the building where the newspaper was produced.
Next door to Bronzeville is the Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods, home to the 44th POTUS (aka "America's Favorite President"), Operation PUSH and the "world-renowned University of Chicago" where Barack Obama taught Constitutional Law for 12 years.
This docent-led bike tour will include stops along the way, as we hear the history of the designated areas. There will be two bathroom breaks and a beautiful photo opportunity near the Adler Planetarium. We will ride predominantly on city streets, with part of the tour occurring on the lakefront trail. You MUST be able to ride comfortably at a pace of 12-14 mph, for approximately 25 miles. The tour should take roughly 2.5 hours and will leave PROMPTLY at 8:00 am!
Please be cognizant of time when stopping for speeches/breaks and photo op, so that we stay on schedule.
What to Bring:
Helmet, Water Bottle(s), Snacks, Weather appropriate attire, Saddle Bag equipped with items necessary to fix flat tire(s), Money to Uber back if necessary.
7. Additional questions not covered here?
Email: blackgirlsdobike@gmail.com
